History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

430 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON. [1779.
tion prevailed. The General Court endeavored to stem tlie
evil tide by sumptuary legislation, and an act was passed
in January 1777, " to prevent monopoly and opi3ression.''
This law was recognized by the town and measures taken
to carry out its provisions. Very slight results, if any,
followed the promulgation of this enactment, and two
years afterwards another law was passed against " monop-
oly and forestalling," or the repeated purchase and sale of
the same goods. " Severe distress was experienced, from
the depreciation of the currency, the exorbitant price of
the necessaries of life, and the distrust of public credit." ^
In accordance with the recommendations of Congress, attempts
were made to regulate prices and devise means for
the relief of the people, through conventions. The first
of these meetings was held at Concord, July 14, 1779, by
invitation of the Committee of Corresi)ondence of Boston.
A list of prices based on a moderate appraisal of the articles
of produce and merchandise to take effect in August,
was adopted, and an address earnestly recommending
"loans to government, provision for the support of the
clergy, and attention to schools, as the means of good education"
^ prepared. It was also proposed to hold another
convention at the same place in October. These documents
were forwarded to all the towns in the state. It was in
reference to these proceedings that the following action
was taken by the town.
The Town Declines to An article inserted in the warrant for a
Join the c r u s a d 8 meeting held in August, proposed for conagainst
rices.
sidcratiou " the Resolves & address of the
late Convention at Concord, Touching the regulation of
Prices and act thereon as the Town shall think proper.^'
A "motion was made to allow the article to subside," but
it failed. Then it was decided not to concur in the proceedings
already had, not to send a delegate to the proposed
convention in October, and "not to take any measures to
regulate prices."
1 Lincoln's History of Worcester, p. 121.
3 Ibid.